Michael Chammas writes: The Broncos came out of the blocks well against the Bulldogs in round one, while the Cowboys took the opposite approach, coming from behind to knock over the Raiders. However, the Broncos’ halves combination of Josh Hoffman and Ben Hunt struggled last week. The Cowboys have the best playmaker in the game in Johnathan Thurston and should have too much class for the Broncos.

Tip: Cowboys by 6

AAP writes: A good early test of what we can expect from both sides in 2014. Brisbane are unchanged from the line-up that enjoyed an encouraging round one win over Canterbury, while Ashton Sims is an important addition to the Cowboys bench after their victory over Canberra. A big crowd should file through the turnstiles for this one in what has become a much anticipated Queensland derby. The Cowboys struggled early against the Raiders and will need to start this one with their heads switched on. Should be a brutal battle up front. Brisbane will be looking for more involvement from Ben Barba, and they will need it given the Cowboys’ multiple attacking threats.

Key: The halves. Broncos duo Ben Hunt and Josh Hoffman will have to pull out all the stops if they are to compete with the Cowboys’ Johnathan Thurston and Robert Lui.